The range of deals is winding down as we edge closer to the new year, but one thing that abounds is gift card offers. Many restaurants will give you a free bonus card when you purchase a gift card for a select amount by the end of December. You could use the card as a little extra holiday present or tuck it away for a treat for yourself, however, I really like what one of my friends does. She carries fast food gift cards with a small value on them, usually $10 or less, in her wallet and gives them to people she encounters during her travels who are in need or just having a bad day. It’s a small gesture that’s greatly appreciated any time of the year.

SEASIDE SAVINGS

Catalina Express and Boat & Hotel Package Partners have launched the Best of Winter deals, which feature combination boat and accommodations packages at 16 hotels in Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. The packages range from affordable to luxurious, and one is pet friendly. Some include breakfast, fitness classes, bicycle use and more. The deals are good for bookings through March 28. For more information, go to catalinaexpress.com.

Topcor’s Clipa, an automatic bag hanger, is on sale. (Photo courtesy of Topcor).

HOLD THAT BAG

Topcor in Irvine is having a sale on Clipa, an automatic bag hanger for purses, backpacks and other carrying cases. It hangs bags on tables, as well as bathroom stall doors, sinks, cubicle walls, salon chairs and stadium drink cup holders. Receive one free black Clipa with every three purchased through Thursday, Dec. 20. In addition, each Clipa costs $14.99, which is 25 percent off regular price. Visit the store 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 19 Hammond #502, call 888-804-0661 or go to www.clipa.us.

STOCKING STUFFER

Islands Restaurants will give you a $5 bonus card for every $25 gift card purchased by Dec. 31. The bonus card may be redeemed Jan. 1-Feb. 28. Locations include Seal Beach, Anaheim Hills and Mission Viejo. For more information and a location near you, go to www.islandsrestaurants.com.

TWO WAYS

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is offering your choice of egift card specials. Receive a $10 bonus card for every $50 egift card purchase or a $25 bonus card for every $100 egift card purchase through Jan. 1. Both offers include a 20 percent off VIP card too. The bonus and VIP cards are good Jan. 1-Feb. 13, but cannot be combined. For more information and to purchase, go to bjsrestaurants.cashstar.com.

MORE BREAD

Panera Bread is offering a $10 bonus card with every $50 in gift cards purchased online or in-store through Dec. 31. The bonus card is good for Jan. 1-22. For more information and a location near you, go to www.panerabread.com.

ONE DAY SPECIAL

Brunos Italian Kitchen in Brea will give you two free $20 gift cards with the purchase of $100 worth of gift cards 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22. The cards must be purchased in the restaurant and all cards cannot be redeemed on day of purchase. The eatery is at 210 W. Birch St. Call 714-257-1000 or go to www.brunosbrea.com.

BEARY CUTE

Oggie’s Sports, Brewhouse & Pizza is offering a free holiday-themed mini Coca-Cola stocking stuffer bear with a $20 gift card purchase while supplies last through Dec. 31. The offer is valid at the eatery’s locations in Fullerton, Garden Grove and Mission Viejo. For more information, go to oggis.com.

NEW WAY TO SHOP

PriceWaiter is now available for shoppers as a Chrome Extension or Firefox Addon for Windows and Mac. Download it and watch for the red banner to pop up when you shop online, find the item you want, make a price offer and PriceWaiter will negotiate with the retailer to get you the lowest price. The download and service is free. For more information, go to www.pricewaiter.com.

Michelle Mills has been an entertainment and features reporter for the Southern California News Group since 1999. She has interviewed such notables as Weird Al Yankovic, Glen Campbell, Alice Cooper, Debbie Allen, Ernest Borgnine (during an earthquake) and Adam Young (Owl City). She was the 31st Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade Queen reigning 2007-2009. She is a professional belly dancer (swordwork is her specialty) and also studies Polynesian and Tahitian dance.